How Are Mobile Phones Changing the iGaming Industry?

The gambling industry is continuously changing and adapting to the latest technological advancements. Whether it’s new markets to tap into or lucrative prospects to invest in, gambling industry leaders are always looking for new opportunities to improve and grow their business.

However, among numerous innovations that changed the iGaming industry, mobile phones have influenced the gambling industry the most.

Why Are Mobile Phones Important to the iGaming Industry?

The biggest reason the gambling industry caters to mobile phones is that most punters who bet online prefer using their smartphone devices. Namely, based on the latest online sports betting statistics, as much as 70% of all online betting activity comes from mobile devices.

For that reason, online casinos and online sportsbooks always look for new ways to make the online gambling experience even more enjoyable. In addition to that, modern-day smartphones have a large usage penetration. The latest data indicates that approximately 83% of the world’s population owns a smartphone.

In other words, accessibility and convenience are the biggest reasons mobile phones shape the future of the iGaming industry.

The Biggest Challenges for Online Casinos and Betting Sites

One of the first things that numerous online casinos and betting sites did to cater to mobile device users was to redesign their websites for smartphones and tablets. Not only that, but the majority of new gambling sites have a mobile-first approach, which means new websites are designed from the start with the intent to be used on mobile devices.

This implies making sure that the website is responsive and can easily adjust to different screens, no matter the size or aspect ratio of a display. Additionally, gambling sites got rid of all the clutter, such as excess plugins and popups that can potentially ruin a user’s experience.

Granted, while most modern-day smartphones have more than enough processing power to quickly load a website, the speed at which they do may be greatly affected by limited connectivity.

After all, one of the greatest benefits of betting using a smartphone is the option to bet on the go, and without a good internet connection, it would take an eternity to load a poorly optimized website and place a bet.

In addition to betting sites and online casinos, casino game providers had to adapt their titles to function seamlessly across multiple platforms, which is why most modern video slots are powered by HTML5 technology.

To make online gambling even more convenient, plenty of betting sites have also opted for smartphone apps. These apps provide users with fast access to their favorite betting site or casino and allow them to bet in real-time. 

The Future of Mobile Phones in Online Gambling

Naturally, the gambling industry leaders are in it for the long run, so many invest in future trends, one of which is virtual reality. Unfortunately, while mobile phone technology has improved significantly in the past few years, modern-day flagship smartphones are not as powerful as high-end desktop or laptop computers.

However, as mobile phone technology and virtual reality hardware continue to improve, there is no doubt that you will be able to join a VR casino session and play against your friends sometime in the future.

Summary

Online gambling is convenient and a lot more accessible than ever, and millions of people across the world prefer using their mobile devices for online gambling. To not miss out on such a lucrative market, the iGaming industry quickly adapted to the latest trends, and online casino and betting site operators optimized their content for handheld devices.

From website designs and casino games created to run smoothly on smartphones and tablets, there’s no denying that mobile phones played a big role in shaping the iGaming industry.

In addition to that, the future of the iGaming industry will also undoubtedly be shaped by the new advancements in technology, especially when it comes to virtual reality, blockchain, and of course, mobile phones.

Leave a Comment